Hidden facts about body’s potassium

Potassium is a mineral that your body needs to work properly. It is a type of electrolyte. The value of potassium in your body ranges from 3.5 to 5.2 mmol/L. This range is incredibly regulated by the body.

About 98% of the potassium is locked away in the cell, and the tiny amount measured in the blood is just 2%. The body will likely allow a slight fall or rise in glucose level rather than in potassium level.

The potassium in the body is controlled by the action of aldosterone, which is produced in the kidney, where it is exchanged for sodium more often.

Potassium is vital for myraids of the body's regulation and functioning. Here are some of the functions it plays in the human system.

Heart and Muscle Function: As a key electrolyte, it helps muscles contract, particularly the heart muscle, maintaining a steady heartbeat.
Fluid Balance and Nerve Signals: It regulates fluid balance within cells and ensures nerves properly transmit signals.
Blood Pressure Management: High potassium intake reduces the effects of sodium in the body, which helps lower blood pressure and decrease the risk of stroke.
Bone Health: Adequate potassium helps prevent bone mineral density loss, reducing the risk of bone disease.
Cellular Function: It aids in metabolism, energy production, and the synthesis of protein. In other words, it’s necessary for the development of the body system.

Foods that contain potassium

It is no longer news that bananas contain a wealth of potassium, and contrary to this opinion, this is an eye-opener about fruits and foods that give more potassium than bananas.

Vegetables: Potatoes (baked with skin), sweet potatoes, spinach, beet greens, broccoli, squash, and pumpkin.
Legumes/Beans: White beans, kidney beans, soybeans, lentils, and refried beans.
Fruits: Avocados (highest), dried apricots, prunes, raisins, cantaloupe, and orange juice.
Proteins: Salmon, chicken, cod, tuna, and nuts.
Dairy/Other: Yogurt, milk, and molasses.

Does coconut water contain potassium?

Coconut water is an excellent natural source of potassium, typically containing about 400–600 mg per cup (240 ml), which is more than a medium banana. It is a rich electrolyte drink that helps with hydration and muscle function, according to WebMD and Healthline.

Coconut water will not only save you on a sunny day; it’s the lifeguard that brings your cells and body function to their optimal state on the rainy days.

“I have been drinking 1 liter of organic coconut water per day for over a year. Two things happened. I don’t want to drink plain water anymore, and I stopped getting foot cramps. My feet were cramping almost daily, sometimes waking me with excruciating pain. Coconut water is high in potassium, so I suppose that’s why it stopped the cramps. Let me add that I only drink organic coconut water," said Kathy Stambaugh.

High level of potassium (HYPERKALEMIA)

Hyperkalemia is the increase in potassium level beyond the upper limit of the reference range, beyond the value of 5.

Up to 10% of hospitalized patients experience hyperkalemia, and the worldwide prevalence of hyperkalemia is 6.3%, with the highest prevalence noted in Africa (21.8%) and the lowest in North America (5.0%), according to the WHO.

Withdrawing your blood in hospitals under the instruction to clench your fist so as to make your vein visible is a major cause of hyperkalemia in most clinical settings.

What are the causes of hyperkalemia?

Kidney-related issues and diseases like kidney injury due to excessive alcohol consumption and long-lasting kidney infection. Kidney failure
Medications: Drugs that inhibit potassium excretion, including:
ACE Inhibitors/ARBs: (e.g., Lisinopril, Losartan).
Potassium-Sparing Diuretics (e.g., Spironolactone).
NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen).
Cellular Breakdown (Tissue Damage): Potassium is released into the blood when cells are destroyed, causing "pseudohyperkalemia" or true high potassium, from:
Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown).
Severe infections or trauma.
Tumor Lysis Syndrome.
Major burns.
Adrenal Disorders: Addison's disease (primary adrenal insufficiency) causes decreased aldosterone production, which is necessary to remove potassium.
Metabolic Factors: Acidosis (too much acid in the blood), often caused by diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or insulin deficiency.
Excessive Intake: Overuse of potassium supplements or high-potassium foods (e.g., bananas, spinach, oranges, and salt substitutes), especially in those with pre-existing kidney issues

What are the signs of hyperkalemia?

Irregular heartbeat
General tiredness or weakness in the limbs.
Numbness and Tingling: Sensations (paresthesia) often felt in the hands, feet, or around the mouth.
Nausea,
vomiting,
abdominal pain
diarrhea.
Breathing Difficulties: Shortness of breath.
Chest Pain

Hyperkalemia can result in death if not managed with urgency.

On July 8th of 2019, I went into emergency kidney failure; my potassium had reached a score of 9! I was just moments from death, and, because of my kidney failure, my body could not expel the excess nutrients, such as potassium, and so my body retained these nutrients to toxic levels, and I was in a very critical state. I was suffering with hyperkalemia (high potassium), a very dangerous condition that can affect your heart, and it did on this very day.

I went into a heart arrhythmia (irregular, fast, or fluttering heartbeat); my heart was literally beating out of my chest as if I were running a marathon, and it was in a very strange rhythm. The ER doctor immediately looked concerned as I entered from the helicopter ride; he said, “You better grab the crash cart!” as I passed out…. This is the experience of Jonathan E. Taylor